FAQ

Rules of Taqlīd

To Learn the Islamic LawIf one's negligence in learning religious rules leads to forsaking an obligation or committing a ḥarām action, he will be a sinner.To Perform Rituals without TaqlīdThe actions of a person who does not follow a mujtahid are valid provided that they are in accordance with caution, the actual rule, or the fatwā of the mujtahid to whom they must refer.A Blameworthy/Unblameworthy IgnorantA"blameworthy ignorant person" is the one who realizes his ignorance and knows the possible methods by which he can overcome his ignorance, but deals carelessly with learning religious rulings. An "unblameworhty ignorant person is the one who is not at all aware of his ignorance or he/she is aware of it, but there is no way out of it. How to Know the Instance of a RulingThe yardstick in specifying the instance of rulings is the determination of the mukallaf himself or his having a shar‘ī proof to that effect.Transmiting a Mujtahid’s FatwāA person, who makes mistakes while transmiting a mujtahid’s fatwā, is not allowed to undertak this task.To Follow the Most Learned MujtahidIf there are several mujtahids who are qualified for issuing fatwās and their fatwās are different, it will be of obligatory caution upon the mukallaf to follow the most learned one.A Definition for ‘Ādil A person, who is so pious that he would not commit a sin deliberately, is considered as ‘ādil.To Change One's TaqlīdBy obligatory caution, it is not permissible to change one's taqlīd from a living mujtahid to another one unless the latter is/may be the most knowledgeable mujtahid.To Follow Several Mujtahids SimultaneouslyThere is no problem with dividing one’s taqlīd between several mujtahids who are equal in knowledge.To Follow a Deceased Mujtahid The permissibility of starting or continuing to follow a deceased mujtahid depends on the fatwā of a living mujtahid who is — by obligatory caution — the most learned one.To Start Following a Deceased Mujtahid By obligatory caution, it is not permissible to start following a deceased mujtahid.To Continue Following a Marji‘ after His DeathContinuing to follow a marji‘after his death even with regard to those issues which he has not acted upon during the life time of the marji‘, is permissible and valid.To Follow a Deceased Mujtahid after a Living OneBefore referring to a living mujtahid regarding a particular issue, it is permissible to continue with following a deceased marji‘. However, once you change in that issue to a living mujtahid, it is not permissible — by obligatory caution — to refer back to the deceased one.

Rules Regarding the Authority of the Jurist Leader

The Authority of the Jurist LeaderThe authority of the jurist leader means the governance of a qualified mujtahid during the era of 'occultation'. It is a branch of the authority of the purified Imams which is the same as authority of the Holy prophet S.A.W.Obedience to a Jurist LeaderThe edicts of the jurist leader must be followed with respect to the issues relating to the administration of the Islamic country and general affairs of Muslims. While, every mukallaf is obliged to follow his own marji‘ in absolutely personal issues.Not Believing in the Leadership of a JuristThe lack of belief, whether based on ijtihād or taqlīd, in the absolute authority of the jurist leader does not lead to apostasy.Enforcement of Islamic Penal Codes during OccultationDuring the period of occultation, enforcement of Islamic penal codes is obligatory, and the authority in this regard belongs to the leader of Muslims.

Rules of Khums

Khums Year and Its CalculationThe date of a khums year is a fait accompli matter and not to be appointed by the mukallaf. The day of receiving the first income is the beginning of one's khums year.The same date in the next year/s will be the end of khums year. Any amount of yearly earnings that is spent during the year for necessary life requirements and within one's station is subject to no khums. While, the amount remains surplus at the end of khums year plus the daily consumable goods (like rice, pea, etc.) which remain untouched at the end of khums year, things bought which were not needed or are above one's station, are all subject to khums Of course, mahr (dowry), inherited property, gifts and bonus are not liable to khums. However, if you face a problem in calculating your khums account, you may consult one of the authorized attorneys of the Supreme Leader in collecting religious tithes.Solar/Lunar Khums YearOne has the choice to specify the date of the khums year according to the solar calendar or the lunar one. To Change the Khums Year’s DateIt is not possible to delay or bring forward the khums year’s date unless it is done with the permission of the walī amr of khums, the profits of the period up to the new date have been calculated and it does not cause any harm or inconvenience for the recipients of khums. A Separate Khums Year for a Husband/WifeA husband and his wife who spend their incomes together should specify a separate date for khums year (i.e. each one should calculate his/her own khums separately), and pay khums on his/her income left unspent.Unpaid Khums of Previous YearsA person, who has not paid khums on the earnings of several years, should pay khums on the properties he knows that they are liable to khums. In cases of uncertainty, he should reach a settlement with the walī amr of khums or his attorney.Delayed Salary as the Income of Receipt YearThe salary paid with delay is considered as a part of the annual income of the year of receipt, and its excess over the year’s ma’ūnah is liable for khums.Khums on GratuityThe money one receives at the end of his service — other than what was deducted from his salary — is a gift which is not subject to khums. Golden HandshakeGolden handshake is not subject to khums.Retirement PensionRetirement pension paid to an employee is a part of income of the year of receipt and its khums is to be paid if it remains unspent by the end of khums year.Khums on Minor's IncomeUpon reaching the age of shar‘ī puberty, children should — according to obligatory caution — pay khums on their past earnings if they still own them.Hajj DepositThe money deposited in the bank to register one's name for hajj is subject to khums [at the end of khums year] if it was a part of income on which khums has not been paid. However, its interest is not subject to khums if one cannot get it from the bank before the year of hajj and it is spent on hajj expenses in the same year. Because it is considered, in this case, as the income of year of receipt.Salary Received Just before End of Khums YearIf an employee receives their salary several days before the end of khums and it remains unspent at the end of khums year, it is subject to khums. InvestmentInvestment is not subject to khums if business done with its 80 per cent —after paying its 20 per cent as khums — is not compatible with his station or does not earn enough to pay one's expenses.Khums on a Thing Appreciated but not SoldFor the time being, khums is not obligatory on the increased price of things that have not been sold by the end of the year because no one was found to buy them. In fact, the profits acquired from their sale in the future would count as that of the sale year. However, the items, whose price increased and there was a potential buyer for them during the year yet to gain more profit you did not sell them by the end of the year, khums would apply to their increased value at the beginning of the next year. Khums on Home AppliancesThe criterion for exemption from khums for home appliances is the need for them in accordance with what is normal for one’s social status in the common view even if they are not used for the entire year.Remnants of Stationery and CosmeticsWhat remains from cosmetics, perumes, cologne and stationery is subject to khums if one has paid for them using yearly income and has a monetary value.Extra Medicine If they were purchased to be used when needed and there is a good chance of using them, they are not liable to khums.Buying Household Appliances for FutureIf buying household appliances for future need is considered in the common view as ma’ūnah, it is not subject to khums.Savings for Necessary ExpenditureIf, according to the financial status of the person, buying their life necessities depends on saving annual earnings and they decide to spend these savings to purchase such things in the near future (i.e. within several days after khums year), then such savings are not subject to khums. How to Calculate Khums on a ShopFor a person without certain date of khums year who bought a shop for business, it suffices to pay the khums of its purchase price.LoanLoan is not liable to khums except for the amount equal to its paid installments if it is invested or available at the end of khums year.Loaned Money If you lent the money and you cannot receive it before the end of your khums year, you are not liable to pay its khums, rather you should pay it at the time you receive it. The Money in the Alms BoxOne should pay khums on the money available in the alms box in one's house at the end of khums year unless the box belongs to a charity organization and there is a contract between them so that putting money in the box means it is delivered to that organization.Land & Building MaterialsA piece of land or building materials bought with the intention of building one's needed house are not subject to khums at the end of khums year if they are used for the same purpose.Land's AppreciationOne should pay khums on the purchase price of a piece of land whose price has been appreciated after purchase. In case it is appreciated a lot, caution goes with making concession regarding the appreciation. If he bought it to make a profit and now there is a customer to buy it, he should pay khums on its current value.To Pay Khums of Previous YearsA person, who wants to pay khums of previous years using this year income, should pay khums on this money as well.Khums & DebtIf you owe an amount due to living expenses of this khums year, it is deducted from the [saved] income of the same khums year.Property Used to Be Ma’ūnah If you invest property which is not a part of ma’ūnah any more, you should pay khums on the appreciation after selling it. If you do not want to do business in this way, it is not liable to khums before selling it. After selling it, caution goes with paying its khums although it is not remote that paying its khums is not obligatory.Gifts or ‘Īd PresentsKhums does not apply to gifts or ‘īd presents, although it is a caution to pay khums on their remainder after the annual expenditure.InheritanceInheritance is not subject to khums unless one is sure it was subject to khums and they did not pay it.Gifts by the Martyrs’ FoundationKhums is not obligatory for gifts given to the honored families of the martyrs by the Martyrs’ Foundation.Money Received by a VeteranThe money/commodities the Veteran Foundation gives to the veterans as gifts is not subject to khums provided that it is not in compensation for work. If it is compensation and remains unspent at the end of the khums year, its khums should be paid. The salary given to the wives in compensation for nursing their injured husbands [i.e. if they do not do so, they will not get the money] is subject to khums if it remains unspent by the end of khums year. Scholarship Scholarship is not liable to khums unless one is employed and receives salary in compensation for education.Appreciation of Inheritance and GiftsInheritance and gifts are not subject to khums, nor the money earned from their sale, even if their value increases, unless they have been kept for trading purposes or for the increase in their value. Gifts You Give One is allowed to give money to his wife as a gift before the end of his khums year while knowing that his wife will save the money in order to buy a house in the future or to buy them some necessities of life. In this case, he is not required to pay khums on the gift he gives to his wife provided the amount is normally proportionate to his social status and that of people like him, he has really given it to her as a gift and not for the purpose of evading of khums.Mine The minerals extracted by the government are not subject to khums. However, the minerals that are extracted by a certain person, or persons in partnerships, are liable for khums when the share of each of them, after deducting the extraction and refining expenses, reaches the thresholds, i.e. 20 dinars, 200 dirhams or the equivalent.One's Father’s Assets Mixed with ḤarāmAlthough you know your father’s assets are mixed with ribā or others' property, you are not forbidden from using them. Of course, if you are certain of the unlawfulness of what you are using from his assets, you are not allowed to use them unless leaving your family would cause extreme hardship for you, in which case you are allowed to use the assets that are mixed with ḥarām ones. However, you will be liable for others’ property you consume or use.To Use Inheritance before Paying Its KhumsIf the deceased has provided in the will that a part of his property is to be paid for khums or the heirs are certain that the deceased owed an amount of khums, their use of the estate before paying khums is considered usurpation and they are liable in regard to their use.To Build a Masjid or the like Using KhumsAt the present time, khums (both parts) is needed for running the Islamic Seminaries (hawzahs). To provide for the mentioned things, one may resort to charitable sources and believers’ generous contributions. To Whom Refer for Calculating KhumsIn order to calculate khums of their properties, followers of His Eminence, the Leader of Muslims (d.) should refer to one of his attorneys authorized in tithes affairs.Permssion for Delaying Khums PaymentIf someone is not able to pay khums all at once, they may refer to the office of the Leader (d.) or one of his attoneys athorized in tithes affairs and pay the khums gradually after getting the permission.TO Forgive KhumsKhums (both parts) can not be forgiven.Permission for Paying TithesAs far as zakāt is concerned, one is allowed to give it to any needy individual who is religious and modest. Regarding repaying al-maẓālim, it is a caution to give it with the permission of a mujtahid. As for the khums, it is obligatory to give it to the office of the great Leader (d.) or to one of his authorized attorneys. Otherwise, one should ask permission for giving it to deserving persons.Ceriterion for Being a SayyidAlthough descendants of The Holy Prophet (s.) through their mothers are also considered as his descendants, the criterion for being a sayyid — as far as shar‘ī rulings are concerned — is paternal relationship.

Rules of Zakat

What to Pay as Fiṭrah ZakatIt is not necessary to pay the most consumed food as fiṭrah zakat; rather it suffices to give wheat, barely, date, rice and the like.

Fiṭrah of a 'Rebellious' WifeFiṭrah of a 'rebellious' wife is to be paid by her husband unless her maintenance is being paid by someone else.

Guests at the Night before 'Id of FiṭrFiṭrah of a person, who is a guest only the night before 'Id of Fiṭr, is not paid by the host.

A Guest's Paying His FiṭrahIf a guest - who is considered as the host's dependant - pays his own fiṭrah with the permission of host and on his behalf, it ceases to be obligatory for the host to pay.

To Give Fiṭrah Zakat to Our Own ChildrenIf the children are poor, their expenses are to be paid by their parents and the parents cannot give them fiṭrah zakat to spend on their necessary life expenditure, but it is no problem to spend it on repaying their debts or the expenses which are not the parent's duty to pay for.

On Which to Spend Fiṭrah ZakatFiṭrah zakat is spent on the same area as zakat of property. However, there is a caution to give it only to poor people of the same locality, if any.

Rules of Transactions

Binding Status of De Facto TransactionInsofar as their binding powers are concerned, both de facto transaction and that done through utterance of the formula are the same.Delay in Paying the PriceIn case that the buyer does not pay the price on time, the seller has no right to demand an increase over and above the agreed price. However, assuming that the interests of the seller were damaged due to a diminishing purchasing power precipitated by the delay in paying the money by the buyer, there is a caution to make muṣālaḥah with the buyer on the difference in the price. To Pay to Revoke the TransactionThere is no problem in stipulating payment of (x) amount of money by the party who revokes the transaction within the binding contract or to conclude the transaction on such a basis. However, a period of time has to be set for the fulfillment of such conditions which have a bearing on the price of the sold property. Otherwise, it is invalid.Deception in Transactions with non-MuslimLying and deception in transactions, even if the other party is non-Muslim, are not permissible.Defect of Being Officially Non-transferableIf, after the transaction has been made, it is discovered that the property was officially not transferable which is deemed as a defect in the common view, it should automatically give the right of revocation to the buyer.Selling on Credit In selling on credit, the period during which the settlement of the amount has to be made has to be determined. Therefore, if the sale was concluded without specifying a date for settling the installments, the sale is deemed null and void from the beginning. If the timetable for paying the installments has been agreed, but the buyer delayed the payment beyond the due date, this, per se, should not give rise to the vendor’s exercising the right to revoke.To Pay Cash in a Salam TransactionIn a salam sell and buy, i.e. when the purchase is to be delivered later, one should pay cash at the time of transaction; otherwise, it is not valid.To Sell an Apartment in a Salam TransactionThere is no problem in selling an apartment which does not exist in a salam transaction provided that the seller specifies its conditions so that there will be no principal ambiguty. At the specified time of delivery, if seller cannot deliver the apartment, the buyer may revoke the contract or wait until the buyer delivers it.Buying and Selling BanknotesThere is no objection to selling banknotes for a price higher than their nominal value if it is concluded with a serious intention and for a rational purpose, for example, they are different in respect of being new brand/worn out, having special signs on them, or of different value. However, if it is not concluded with a serious intention but only to circumvent the law prohibiting ribā; it is ḥarām and invalid in Islamic law. Online Transactions It is permissible to conclude online transactions provided that the transaction is ḥalāl and its required conditions are observed.To Sell a Check It is not permissible to sell a check to a third party for an amount that is lower than that written in the check. But it is permissible to sell it to the person who drew it.Multi-level Marketing, Amway/GoldQuestIt is neither compatible with shar' nor permissble. It entails using ill-gotten property.To Buy from a Company with Illicit AssetsGeneral knowledge of the existence of illicit assets among that of a company should not cast a doubt on the validity of shopping in that company’s stores unless all the company’s assets could be dealt with by the mukallaf. Using ḥarām mixed PropertyIf there are both ḥarām and ḥalāl items, there is no problem in using some of them unless one of those used by you is ḥarām for sure.To Buy Western CommiditiesShould the buying of goods, which have been imported from non-Muslim countries, and using them contribute to strengthening the infidel and colonizing states which are the enemies of Islam and Muslims or provide them with financial support they may use to attack Muslims or Islamic lands all over the world, it is the duty of Muslims to refrain from buying and using such goods. Transaction with Zionist CompaniesIt is incumbent on every Muslim to refrain from buying, selling commodities imported from Israel. It is ḥarām to make use of goods produced by Zionist companies or companies which spend the profits to help the occupying state of Israel.

Business/Occupation

Association with Bahā'īsAny association with this mislead, misleading sect should be avoided.To Teach a Kifā’ī ObligationThe obligation to teach that which is a kifā’ī obligation does not detract from the permissibility of getting paid for teaching it, especially if receiving the salary is in return for reporting for work and giving lecture classes.To Get Money for Teaching Islamic LawAlthough, generally speaking, giving instructions in ḥalāl/ḥarām matters is an obligation in itself and, therefore, it is not permissible to get paid for it, there is no objection to being remunerated for the preliminaries on which the very teaching of jurisprudence does not depend and they are not obligatory upon any body — like being present in a certain place.To receive salary for holding congregational prayersThere is no objection to getting reimbursed for one's transport expenses, or getting paid for providing services, which are not obligatory for the mukallaf according to the Islamic law.To Work in Companies Owned by a Non-Muslim StateIn itself, there is no objection to dealing in legitimate business, even if it leads to generating profits for non-Islamic states unless the state is at war with the Muslims and exploits it to serve its war machine.To Work for a Non-MuslimThere is no objection to working for a non-Muslims by itself, provided that it is not a ḥarām works nor detrimental to the general interests of Islam and Muslims.To Produce, Buy, Sell, or Use NarcoticsIt is ḥarām to use narcotics in any way because it results in considerable adverse effects in terms of personal health and social cost. By the same token, it is ḥarām to deal in narcotics in any way, i.e., carrying, transporting, storing, selling, buying, etc.To Buy / Sell PorkIt is not permissible to buy or sell pork for human consumption, even to non-Muslims. However, should there be other rational, considerable and ḥalāl uses for the meat, such as animal feed, or using its fat in the manufacture of soap, and the like, there is no objection to sell or buy it.To Transport Non-ḥalāl MeatIt is not permissible to transport non-ḥalāl meat if it is used for human consumption, irrespective of whether the potential buyer sees it fit to consume or otherwise.Money Received by the Purchasing AgentThe seller is not allowed to pay money to the purchasing agent, nor is the latter allowed to take the money. Whatever money the agent receives should be delivered to the department or the company.Compensation for the Estate AgentThe estate agent has the right to demand a compensation for recommending viewing of the property and accompanying the buyer to see the property. However, if he is not involved in concluding the sale, he has no right in demanding a fee for the transaction.HairdressingThere is no objection to working in beautifying women, nor is it objectionable to get paid for it provided that it is not intended for showing it to non-maḥram men.MagicMagic is ḥarām, so is training in it unless it is taken up for a sensible and legitimate reason. DivinationDivination and getting paid for it are not compatible with shar'.To Write SupplicationsThere is no harm in writing supplications transmitted from the infallibles (a.s.) and getting paid for it.HypnosisThere is no harm in it if it is done for a sensible motive, with the consent of the person to be hypnotized and it is not associated with any ḥarām act.Evocation of Spirits and JinnThere is no problem in evocation of spirits and jinn provided that it is taken up for a sensible reason and does not involve/entail a ḥarām act.

Ṣulḥ

Binding Status of ṢulḥIf the ṣulḥ is concluded in a proper manner, it should be binding on the owner. Thus, he has no right to revocation unless he has reserved the right to revoke the ṣulḥ. To Transfer One's Property through ṢulḥIf a person gives another person the whole property he has through a ṣulḥ deed on the condition that he would remain in charge of the property throughout his life, it is valid and enforceable. Therefore, he is not allowed to cancel it or to transfer the ownership of the property to a third party; rather he is only allowed to use it for life.

Gifts

Silent Partnership

A Silent Partnership ContractA silent partnership contract should be confined to investing the capital in trade, i.e. buying and selling only. In this transaction, it is necessary that the share of both silent and working partners is specified as a certain percent of the profit. Yet, there is no problem, if the working partner gives the silent one monthly a certain amount as his share of the profits on account and at the end of contract they make muṣālaḥah as to the profit. Nor is there any problem in stipulating that in case of decrease in capital the working partner bears the loss.A Silent Partnership on BanknotesThere is no objection to a silent partnership being conducted in banknotes that are used nowadays. It is not permissible, though, to be conducted in merchandise.Silent Partnership in Production and ServicesA silent partnership contract should be confined to investing the capital in trade, i.e. buying and selling only. Using it in the domains of production, distribution, services, and the like is not permissible. However, there is no objection to resorting to other shar‘ī contracts such as ju‘ālah and ṣulḥ for these purposes.Silent Partnership Espoused by a BankThe silent partnership espoused by a bank, as the agent of the depositors, is ruled sound and the profits made thereof, that go to the money owners, are ḥalāl unless it is proved that the transaction is nominal and invalid for a reason.An Invalid Silent PartnershipIn an invalid silent partnership, the whole profit belongs to the silent partner after he authorizes the transactions and the working one is entitled to nothing — even to the normal compensation for the work — unless he is not aware that the contract is invalid in which case he may get the normal compensation for the work.

Mortgage / Pawning

Compensation for Safeguarding Articles in PawnA pawnbroker cannot get a fee for safeguarding/storage of the articles in pawn. Moreover, it is a trick for getting ribā which is ḥarām.To Mortgage Other's PropertyA debtor may mortgage some property, which does not belong to him, to a third party provided that the owner has authorized him to do so.Deposit in RentIt is not permissible to rent a house by only paying some deposit [i.e. without paying any rent]. However, there is no objection to renting a house and stipulating in the rent deed that the tenant pays a certain amount of money as deposit.

Debt & Loan

Debt Self-compensation If the debtor denies the debt owed or avoids payment without any excuse, the lender has the right to recover his debt from the debtor’s property. Of course, if there is any law in this regard, it should be observed.Ribā in Loan/TransactionRibā in loan is the extra amount paid by the borrower to the lender as stipulated in the loan deed. Ribā arising from a sale transaction is to sell an item — normally sold by weight/ volume — in exchange for something of the same category in Islamic law plus extra.Ribā-bearing LoanIt is ḥarām to get a ribā-bearing loan. However, the very loan deed is valid, [i.e. the borrower owns the money borrowed].In urgent situations, one can - for escaping committing a ḥarām act – intend, at the time of borrowing, not to give the extra amount even though he knows that they would eventually take it from him.Superficial TransactionIf someone sells their property with the condition of buying the same later from the buyer at a higher price, it is ḥarām and void because it is not really intended and it serves as a means to obtain a ribā-bearing loan. However, if the sale is concluded seriously, in a shar‘ī way and without stipulating to buy it again, there is no harm in buying the property back from the buyer later for the same price or even at a higher one in cash or in credit.Facilitating a Ribā-bearing LoanAny work that contributes, in any way, to concluding, processing, finalizing a ribā-bearing loan, or collecting the ribā from the borrower, such as writing down the deed, and keeping and auditing the accounts, is ḥarām; and the worker is not entitled to a wage for such work.

Rules of Minors and the Retarded

Criterion for Age of DiscriminationA discriminating child is the child who can differentiate between good and bad as perceived by common people and in this regard the life conditions of the child and local customs and traditions should be taken into consideration. As for the age of discrimination, it varies from one person to another, especially, in terms of talent, discernment, and intelligence. Religious Duty of a Backward Person The criterion for religious duties becoming obligatory upon any person is their shar‘ī puberty, in addition to being recognized by common people as a sane person. The varying levels of intelligence and comprehension are not a criterion and have no bearing whatsoever on this matter.The Signs of PubertyThe signs of puberty are as follows:1- Growth of coarse hair on pubic area2- Discharge of semen3- Completion of 15 lunar years (which approximates 14 solar years, 6 months and 17 days) for boy, and 9 lunar years (which approximates 8 solar years, 8 months and 22 days) for a girl.Custody /Guardianship of a Minor OrphanThe paternal grandfather has the right of shar‘ī guardianship of the minor orphans and their properties. The mother has the right of their custody. To Use a Child's PropertyIt is permissible for the guardian of a child to do, with the clothes or things like toys gifted to a child, what he deems fit, taking into consideration the child’s interest and welfare.

To Use a Child's PropertyIt is permissible for the guardian of a child to do, with the clothes or things like toys gifted to a child, what he deems fit, taking into consideration the child’s interest and welfare.

Rules of Rights

Pirated SoftwareTo hack a software and copy it without the permission of its original publisher is not – by obligatory coution – allowed and it is not permissible to use, buy or sell the copied software without his permission.

To Copy a VideotapeAs a matter of caution, one should not copy a videotape without the permission of its owners. However, if a person has already done so without the permission of the owner of the tape, it is sufficient to wipe the recorded material off the tape.

To Use the Property of One's Adult SonA father has no right of disposal over the property of his adult son unless it is done with the approval of his son. If he acts contrary to his son’s wish, he would have committed a ḥarām act. He should, therefore, compensate his son, excluding exceptional circumstances.

To Give all One's Property to One ChildIf it results in creating discord and strife between the offspring, it is not permissible for a person to give all his property to one of his sons to the exclusion of the others.

To Obey One's ParentsIt is not obligatory to obey one's parents. However, to annoy/hurt them is impermissible unless it is caused by performing an obligatory act or avoiding a ḥarām one.

To Care for a Sick Father/MotherUnless he/she can afford employing a nurse, the provision of care for a sick father/mother rests equally with all those, among his children, who can afford it.

To Disciplin a ChildWhile disciplining a child by his/her father or a teacher authorized by him, they should avoid things which cause paying blood money, like if his/her body becomes black, bruise or red.

Compensating for Illegal Use of Others' PropertyIf one is obliged to pay a compensating for illegal use of others' property, it does not suffice to spend it on common good; rather, it should be given to the owner, or his heirs — in case he has passed away. However, it is not necessary to tell them the truth, or to give it to them in person. It suffices to give it to them as a gift, a festive present, or the like even through a third party. If they are not accessible, one may spend it on charity on their behalf taking into account the decrease in the purchasing power of the money.

Wastefulness in Electric Power ConsumptionThere is no doubt that consumption beyond one’s requirements is regarded as wastefulness, including the use of electric power and the light.

Killing Harmful Insects and AnimalsThere is no objection to killing insects and animals which are harmful or pollut the environment.

Treasury and Rules of Government

To Do another Work during Duty HoursA person, who is employed/hired to work during certain period, is not allowed to do something else within the specified period even if the assigned work finishes. That said, unless the person, who is legally authorized in this regard, permits so.Bribery and Gift in Office EnvironmentsGiving money or the like to the employees of a department — who are responsible for performing people’s works — in return for a favor in facilitating one’s business, which inevitably leads to spreading corruption in such departments, is ḥarām as per Islamic law. The illusion of “necessity” does not justify this practice.It is obligatory for the employees to treat all clients in accordance with the laws and regulations of the administration. They are not allowed to receive any present under any guise because it leads to corruption, put them under suspicion, and entice some greedy individuals to disregard the laws and to impinge upon the rights of others. Only in one case, it is permissible to receive the gift and that is when the giver insists on giving the present and the employee rejects it but eventually it is given in one way or another provided that it is done after the performance of the work without any previous discussion or expectation.

It goes without saying that bribery is ḥarām for both the payer and the recipient. If any money has been received by way of bribery, it should be returned to the payer and the recipient has no right to use it.Cheating in an ExamCheating (in an exam) is ḥarām. However, if the cheating person has the special knowledge or skill required for the job to be employed at and the employment law is observed, being employed and getting paid for such a job is no problem.Overtime HoursIt is not permissible to present a false report and receive money for overtime hours in which no work is done. Any extra money that has been received without entitlement should be returned. However, should there be regulations allowing the superior to double the overtime hours worked, he can do so. In this case, the employee can take the money paid for overtime hours approved by his boss.Personal Use of Public AssetIn making use of public asset and governmental facilities for personal purposes related laws and regulations should be observed and violating them is not permissible.States' OwnershipThe property of the state, albeit non-Islamic, is lawfully deemed in the ownership of the state. It should be treated as that whose owner is known. Nobody can use it unless with the permission of the authority who has the right to use it.Water PumpTo use water pump in order to get more water into one's property without the permission of the concerned organization is not permissible. The wuḍū’ and ghusl using water obtained through this way is problematic.

Bank Law

To Make a Deposit to Get a Loan If one deposits money in the fund under the title of loan for a particular period, on the condition that the fund grants him loan, or if they lend him some money only after his depositing a certain amount of money with the fund, this condition amounts to ribā and is, therefore, ḥarām and invalid. However, the very loan deed is valid for both parties.Promise of Granting Banking FacilitiesIf a bank promises to grant banking facilities to the holders of savings accounts, should they leave the money in their accounts untouched for, say, six months, as an incentive for customers to deposit their money in such accounts, there is no harm in such an promising nor in the bank’s granting banking facilities to depositors.On Which to Spend a Ribā-free LoanIf a bank lends money to a person to be used for a certain purpose, the borrowed money becomes the property of the borrower but it is obligatory for him, as a matter of religious duty, to abide by the stipulated condition. However, if he spends it in another avenue, the transaction is valid.To Pay a Fee to a Bank If, at the time of taking the loan, the payment made by the borrower to the bank is considered a fee in return for the administrative work like to write it in the book, documentation, and other expenses of the bank such as water and electricity bills and does not amount to interest paid on the loan, then there is no harm in paying the fee nor in receiving the fee/the loan.Mark-up for Delay in InstallmentsTo charge a mark-up for delay in paying installments is problematic.To Receive Interest from Non-Islamic BanksIt is permissible to receive the interest from the banks of non-Islamic states, irrespective of whether the owners were among the People of the Book or polytheist, regardless of whether or not the depositor made it conditional that he be paid the interest.

Rules of Marriage and Divorce

Permission of Her Father for MarriageIf the girl is virgin, it is necessary – by obligatory caution – to obtain the permission of her father/paternal grand father for her marriage.Permission of a Sunni Girl's FatherAlthough it is permissible for a Shi'a boy/girl to marry a Sunni as long as he/she does not fear that their belief in their denomination would be endangered, by obligatory caution the permission of her father should be obtained for her marriage if she is virgin.To Skip the Father's PermissionIf a girl is in need for marriage, the man — asked for her hand — is her equivalent as per the shar` and common view and, in the present time, there is no other qualified man to ask for her hand, the father's permission ceases to be necessary.Permission of a Non-virgin Girl's FatherIn case that the girl’s virginity has been lost through an intercourse by mistake or fornication, there is no need to obtain her father's permission (like in virgin girl) for marriage but one would not neglect the caution in obtaining this permission. However, if her virginity has been lost through means other than intercourse, concluding marriage with her should be with the permission of her father.Amount of the DowryThe amount of the dowry (maḥr) is to be agreed upon by both parties. However, in the holy Islamic shariah, it is advised to decrease the amount of maḥr. It is mustaḥabb to put maḥr al- sunnah as the maḥr.DowryIf dowry is an amount of money, the husband owes his wife this amount on which marriage contract is concluded. However, if with the passage of time its purchasing power is decreased significantly, it is caution to reach a conciliation regarding the difference.Cheating in MarriageThe husband has the right to revoke the marriage contract if it is specified with in the contract that she enjoys a certain good character or she is free from a certain defect/error and it is proved otherwise. The same rule applies if these things have been attributed to her/mentioned before conclusion of the marriage contract and the contract is based on it. Then she has no right to dowry if the marriage is consummated and it was her who deceived the husband. If someone else deceived him, she has right to the specified dowry but he can claim it from the deceiver after paying it to her.Bride/Groom Relations before Taking Her HomeAfter recitation of the marriage formula, the couple may enjoy each other unless a certain enjoyment is agreed to be delayed to the night of consummating the marriage, in which case he has to observe the specified term.Maintaining One's WifeAs maintenance, the wife has right to nothing but to a conventional residence, clothing, food and medical expenses in accordance with her status.Anal SexIt is highly makrūh to engage in anal intercourse and it is closer to caution to abandon it especially if it is without her consent. If it harms her, it is ḥarām.The Husband's Permission for Going outAs long as a girl lives in her father's house, she is not obliged to ask her husband's permission for going out.Marriage with a Person of Unknown ReligionIf someone wants to marry a girl while he is not aware of her religion, it is not necessary to ask about it provided that there is some evidence or clue to show that and one is allowed to marry her. Otherwise, asking is a must.An Illegitimate ChildAn illegitimate child has a right to living, training, and maintenance until they reach self- sufficiency level. However, the rules specific to a legitimate child do not apply to them. How to Make One's Adopted Girl MaḥramIt is allowed to marry one's adopted girl to one's father temporarily, e.g for two hours, with the permission of a mujtahid provided that it is convenient for her interest. In this case, the girl will be maḥram to her adopted father forever.Self-divorce for Separated WomenIf the husband is absent, there is a dispute between the married couple and the husband does not agree with divorce and continuing with this life entails difficulties and unbearable hardship for the wife who can no longer bear such a situation, the wife may refer her case to one of the representatives / attorneys of a ḥākīm al-shar` (mujtahid) to recite the divorce formula after confirming the subject.To Marry the Same Man and Its 'IddahA woman, who is observing 'iddah of a temporary marriage, may marry the same man temporarily. However, after the second marriage, she should observe a complete 'iddah due to consummation of the first marriage —although the second marriage is not consummated — and that part of 'iddah, observed before the second marriage, is not considered.

Rules of Non-maḥrams (Looking, Hijab & Association)

To Look at a Non-maḥram WomanIt is impermissible to look at a non-maḥram woman except for her face and hands up to wrists provided that they are unadorned and looking is without lustful and ill intentions.To Look at a Non-maḥram ManA woman may look at — without lustful or ill intentions — men’s head, face, neck and arms up to the places that they usually uncover.Hijab in front of a Discriminating ChildIf a discriminating child has reached a level that his looking at a girl or vice versa leads to lustful excitement, she should cover her body and not look at his body.To Look at a Non-maḥram PictureTo watch a movie or look at a non-maḥram picture for lust and ill intentions is ḥarām. Should looking / watching be without lustful intention, one does not know her and doing so does not lead to vile consequences, it is no problem.To Look at Her Beauties for MarriageA person, who wants to marry a woman and for getting informed about her, is allowed to look at her face, hands, hair and beauties without lustful intention even though lust would unwillingly happen provided that he has no previous information about her and does not know that they will reject his proposal.To Watch Nude FilmsGenerally speaking, watching moving pictures and photographs does have not the same ruling as looking in reality at non-maḥram people. Accordingly, there is no objection to it, as per Islamic law, Provided that it is free of lust /evil intention and does not lead to a bad result. However, since watching obscene pictures is inherently intertwined with looking with sexual urge and it is a precursor to committing ḥarām acts, it is, therefore, ḥarām.A Woman's Watching Men WrestlingIt is not permissible for a woman to watch men wrestling if the watching is done by attending the ring, live television broadcast — by obligatory caution, with lust and questionable thoughts, or the fear of falling victim to temptation. Otherwise, there is no harm in it.To Look at Pictures Showing Human Body PartsBy itself, there is no objection to watching films and looking at pictures showing human body parts provided it is done without the intention of getting sexual pleasure and no fear of committing a ḥarām act is involved. However, looking at pictures or watching films of others’ private parts is not unproblematic.Sexually Exciting ImaginationThere is no objection to a man's sexual excitement through imagining his own wife unless it leads to ejaculation. However, as to imagining a non-maḥarām woman for this purpose, it is a caution to avoid it.Two Non-maḥrams' Being togetherWhen a non-maḥram man and woman are in a place where nobody else exists or may enter, they should leave that place if they are afraid that they may fall victim to a ḥarām action.Co-educational InstitutesThere is no objection to going to co-educational institutes for acquiring knowledge and teaching. However, it is incumbent on women and girls to observe ḥijāb; it is equally incumbent on men to avoid looking in ḥarām way and keeping away from mixing with the opposite sex, which leads to temptation and corruption.To Learn Driving by a Non-maḥram InstructorThere is no objection to learning driving with the help of a non-maḥram instructor provided that she observes ḥijāb and chastity and ensures that no vile deed is going to be committed. However, it is advisable that one among her maḥram should accompany her. Indeed, it is even much better if she learns driving with the help of a female instructor or one of her maḥrams.HijabWomen should cover their entire head and body — except for the unadorned face and hands up to wrists — with clothes that do not attract non-maḥrams' attention.It is not permissible for women to wear anything, whose color, design, or manner of wearing may attract non-maḥram’s attention or could eventually lead to bad effects or committing that which is ḥarām.To Wear a Wig as HijabTo use an artificial hair (wig) as ḥijāb is not valid.To Wear Make-up/OrnamentsThere is no problem that a woman wears jewellery or make-up but she should cover it in front of non-maḥrams.To Cover Make-up/OrnamentsIf women's adornment and jewellery like wedding ring, normal eyebrow make-up, etc. is known in the common view as an adornment, it should be covered in the presence of the non-maḥrams.Men's ClothesIt is not mandatory that a man covers his head, neck, face and arms up to the place that men do not usually cover.A man is not obliged to cover more than his private areas. But, if he knows that non-maḥram women are looking at his body, it is an obligatory caution to cover all parts except for those parts that men usually uncover.Wearing Short-sleeved ClothesIf wearing short-sleeved clothes by a man entails vile consequences, it is impermissible.To Wear the Clothes of the Opposite SexIf the clothes, shoes or slippers are special for certain gender, the other gender is – by obligatory caution - not allowed to wear them. But wearing them by the opposite gender for a short time in a way that they do not consider them as their wear is no problem.

Medical Rules

Artificial organs and genitals do not have the same ruling as the real ones. Therefore, there is no objection to looking at and handling them unless a questionable intent is involved or it entails arousing one’s sexual desire.Ḥarām Looking/Touching in Medical EducationThere is no harm in studying medicine and training in it, even by carrying out examinations which are ḥarām in themselves provided that it is essential for training in medicine and acquiring experience in treating the sick. In addition to that, the student must be confident that ability to save human life in the future depends on knowledge acquired in this way. He must also be confident that he would be in a situation whereby the sick are going to consult him to seek his advice and that he would be responsible to save their lives.The mere fact that medical examination is a part of the curriculum or an assignment required from the student by his professor does not justify the commission of what Islamic law has decreed unlawful. However, the criterion here is the need for the training to save the human life or the requirement of a necessity.To Visit a Non-maḥram DoctorIf the treatment requires ḥarām touching or looking, it is impermissible to visit/refer to a doctor of the opposite gender if referral to the same gender is feasible.Cosmetic SurgeryThere is no harm in undergoing plastic surgery in itself.To Cover One's Nose after Cosmetic SurgeryIt is not obligatory to cover one's nose on which cosmetic surgery was performed.Eyebrows' Tattooing There is no harm in tattooing eyebrows for women. However, if it is considered as adornment, they should cover them in front of non-maḥrams.Contraceptive MethodsBy itself, using a contraceptive method is not objected. Regarding women, it has to be done with the husband's consent, but ḥarām touching and looking should be avoided.To Sterilize a WomanIt is permissible to sterilize a woman, who is afraid of pregnancy as being dangerous to her. Indeed, it is not permissible for her to get pregnant intentionally if pregnancy poses any danger to her life. There is no objection to sterilizing a woman if it does not pose any considerable harm, is done with the permission of the husband and it is done for a sensible reason, e.g. she is prone to bearing deformed or diseased children.To Have a VasectomyThere is no objection to carrying out a vasectomy on a man in itself provided that it is done for a sensible reason and that it does not lead to considerable harm.AbortionAborting the fetus is ḥarām by Islamic law. It is not permissible at any count, barring pregnancy which poses danger to the mother’s life. In this case, there is no objection to terminating the pregnancy before the soul has entered the fetus. Should the spirit enter the fetus, it is not permissible to abort it, even if the pregnancy spells danger to the mother’s life, except in the event where carrying on with the pregnancy could prove fatal to both the fetus and the mother, and there is no way to save the baby’s life but it is possible to save the mother’s life through abortion.To Abort a Fetus Affected with a Dangerous DiseaseShould the diagnosis of dangerous disease in the fetus be definite and if having such a baby and maintaining him/her entails great difficulty and hardship, it is, in this case, permissible to abort the fetus before the soul enters its body. However, it is an obligatory caution to pay its blood money.To Dissect a CorpseThere is no objection to dissecting a corpse when saving a respectful life, exploring new ideas in medical science that are necessary for the society, or obtaining information regarding a disease that threatens life. However, it is obligatory not to make use of the dead body of a Muslim, where possible.Extracted parts of the dead body of a Muslim must be buried with the same body unless burying them with the body proves difficult or unbearable. In this case, it is permissible to bury them separately or alongside another dead body.IVFThere is no objection to carrying out IVF in itself. However, it is obligatory to keep away from any preliminary step that might involve committing a ḥarām act like prohibited looking and touching. The child born belongs to the couple from whom the sperm and the egg were taken.In itself there is no legal impediment to inseminating a woman with the sperm of a non-maḥram man. However, it is obligatory to avoid the preliminary steps which are ḥarām, such as looking and touching. However, the born child in this way does not belong to the husband of the woman, rather to the person who donated the sperm and the woman whose egg and womb were used in the process.If an egg fertilized with the sperm of a non-maḥram man is placed within the womb of another woman, the child belongs to the man and woman whose sperm and egg were used. It is not considered as the child of the second woman and her husband and does not receive inheritance from them. As to being maḥram or non-maḥram, they should observe caution unless she breastfeeds it considering its conditions which makes them maḥram to each other.It is permissible for a man whose wife does not introduce egg, to fertilize an egg — donated by another woman — in a tube by his sperm and implant it in his wife’s womb provided that the preliminary ḥarām steps are avoided. The born child belongs to the genetic parents. There is a problem in referring the baby to the mother who became pregnant with it. Therefore, they should observe caution insofar as the shar‘ī rules governing lineage are concerned.To Transplant an Animal Body Part into Human Body There is no objection to transplanting a body part of an animal into the body of a man. However, praying with it is problematic unless it is a living body part which continues its life within the human's body and become a part of it or they use a part of a ḥalāl animal which is slaughtered according to Islam. To Sell BloodThere is no objection to selling blood for a rational and shar‘ī purpose.To Sell a Body PartThere is no objection to selling a body part whose removal does not cause considerable harm especially if saving a respectful life depends on it.Treatment by ḤarāmThere is no objection to consuming ḥarām things if it is necessary for treatment as said by a trustworthy skilled doctor.Treatment by WineIt is permissible to treat a disease using wine or other alcoholic beverages only as much as necessary if one is sure that it can be treated, there is no other option and not treating it leads to death or something similair. To Masturbate for Medical TreatmentThere is no objection to masturbation if it is intended for medical treatment, the treatment depends on it, and it is not possible for his wife to do it. However, it is not permissible to masturbate in order to determine fertility, unless it is necessary.

Miscellaneous

An animal slaughtered by a Sunni is ḥalāl although according to some Sunni jurists, it is not necessary to slaughter an animal facing Qiblah. Not slaughtering it facing Qiblah due to misinformation does not harm its being ḥalāl.Repetition of ‘Bismillāh’ While Slaughtering groups of AnimalFor a group of chickens that are slaughtered together after saying ‘bismillāh’, saying one ‘bismillah’ is enough. For any subsequent group, if there is enough time to say another ‘bismillāh’, it should be said again.To Drain up Pool instead of Catching the FishIf one, with the intention of catching the fish, opens the valve to drain the pool completely so that fish dies, it is not considered as catching them and their meat is not ḥalāl.Dead Fish inside the Catched FishIf we find some dead fish inside the body of the catched fish and we do not know whether or not they were alive at the time of fishing, one should avoid eating them.To Eat Living FishThere is no objection to eating living ḥalāl fish.To Determine a Scaled-fishIt rests with the very mukallaf to determine whether a fish has scale or not. One may suffice with certainty got through the saying of an expert. In case of doubt, its eating is not objected.Ḥalāl Parts of Fish By caution, it is ḥarām to eat blood and abominable parts of fish, the rest of it is ḥalāl.

Rules of Eating & Drinking

To Consume Brewer's YeastThere is no objection to consuming brewer's yeast unless it is intoxicant.Right of Passers-by to Tree Fruits One may eat the fruits of a tree which grows in a road or a tree some of whose branches came out of the garden provided that: a) he does not go there to eat the fruits, b) he does not harm/damage a part of the tree and c) to eat there and does not carry the fruits to another place.Gelatin Imported from Non-Islamic CountriesOne may eat food containing gelatin provided that one knows it is obtained from the bone of a ḥalāl meat animal like a cow.Doubted GelatinTo transform materials from religiously edible or non-edible animals into gelatin is not categorized as istiḥālah (metamorphosis). But, if there are two — ḥalāl and ḥarām — types of gelatin and you do not know the one you want to eat belongs to which group, it is ruled to be ḥalāl.

Rules of Endowment and Ḥabs

De Factu Endowment For an endowment deed to be materialized, it is not necessary to recite its formula. Indeed, it is enough to conclude it in a de facto manner. However, if one recites its formula, it is not necessary to articulate it in Arabic.A Non-Muslim's EndowmentAn endowment set up by a non-Muslim — whether among the people of the book or not —is valid in cases it is valid to be set up by a Muslim. Therefore, it is obligatory for the trustees to act according to the provisions laid down in the endowment deed. Temporary ḤabsIf a person makes, for a certain period, his land ḥabs according to the shar‘ī rules and regulations, the ḥabs is valid. Thus, all shar‘ī provisions should apply. After the duration of the ḥabs comes to an end, the land should revert to the ownership of the owner and be treated like his other properties.How to Endow a MasjidBuilding the place with the intention of rendering it a masjid per se is not sufficient to realize the endowment unless they utter the endowment formula or hand it over to the worshippers to hold prayer there. Rather, it remains as the property of the landlord and he is, therefore, free to do with it whatever he wishes.How to Endow a Ḥusayniyyah Raising money for buying something for a ḥusayniyyah in itself does not amount to endowment. However, after purchasing it for the ḥusayniyyah and making them available for use at the premises, a de facto endowment comes into force, i.e. without the need to pronounce an endowment formula.To Use the Facilities of a Masjid for Religious Ceremonies The permissibility of using the facilities of the masjid for special mourning events and the like is dependent on the conditions of the endowment or donation of those facilities as nadhr for the masjid.Personal Use of a Masjid's ElectricityIt is not permissible to make use of the electricity supplied to the masjid for private purposes. Nor is it permissible for the administration of the masjid to grant such permission.To Sell Property Endowed for a MasjidIf it is absolutely not possible to use the property — that is already endowed for a masjid — in the same masjid, they may use it in another masjid. If that proves impossible, they should use it for the public interest. But, if making use of it is not possible but through selling, they can sell it and spend its money on the same areas in the order mentioned above.Spending a Masjid MoneyIt all depends. If by a masjid’s money it is meant people’s contributions, this money should be spent on the areas it is contributed for and spending it on other purposes depends on the consent of the contributors. Thus, if it is confirmed that they agree on such spending, there would be no problem. But if you mean the income of the property held as a waqf, then it should be spent on the same areas shown in the waqf paper.To Change a WaqfExcept for special cases, one is not allowed to sell, buy, or change a waqf and it should be used for the purposes it was endowed for.The Trustee's WageThe trustee of an endowment, whether appointed by the endower or the judge, is entitled to receive normal wages from the proceeds of the endowment if no specific wages is determined by the endower.Trusteeship Continuation If someone is appointed as the trustee of an endowment by a marji', he will remain as its trustee after the demise of the marji'. However, if he is the marji''s agent/agent of agent to run the endowment's affair, his agency is invalidated by the marji''s demise or cancellation of the agency of the first agent.

Rules of Nadhr, Promise and Swear

To Make Nadhr to Fast during TravelBy obligatory caution, a traveller cannot make nadhr to fast during his travel. However, he may make nadhr, before his travel, to fast while travelling.Nadhr's DissolutionIf one makes nadhr to say four rak'ahs of prayer for smoking every cigarette, it means several nadhrs, i.e. as many cigarettes as he smokes. Therefore, his nadhr remains in tact even after smoking a cigarette.

Will and Funerals

No Jabīrah Ghusl to a Deceased PersonAs to a deceased person, there is no ghusl by jabīrah (bandage/patch). If it is impossible to give it a normal ghusl, it is given tayammum.To Use Inheritance Shared by a MinorAs far as the share of a minor is concerned, one may use the estate of a deceased person only after getting the permission of the minor's shar‘ī guardian.Funeral in the House Shared by a Minor HeirThere is no objection to using/going into the house of a deceased person, who has a minor heir, as much as required for performing acts generally necessary for the funeral, including its ghusl, shrouding and burial and there is no need for the permission of the minor’s guardian.An Obligatory WillShould the person keep other’s belongings or have in their possession some property that carries a liability, be it to the people or in the form of religious dues, of which they could not discharge their responsibility, it is obligatory for them to leave a will. Otherwise, it is not obligatory.To Purchase a GraveIf the place where the grave will be built is lawfully owned by others, there is no harm in buying it. Should the piece of land be endowed for the purpose of burying the believers’ dead, it is not right to buy and reserve it for oneself.To Build a Masjid in a CemeteryThere is no objection to building a masjid on the land of a derelict cemetery provided that the land of the cemetery is not: [a] an endowment, [b] private property, or [c] a facility for the public at large and building the masjid does not entail desecrating the graves or exhuming the bodies of Muslims.To Change a Cemetery It is not permissible to use the cemetery, endowed for burying the dead, for an alternative purpose if it can be used for the purpose for which it was endowed.To Burry a Corpse BoneWhile digging a canal or the like in a land, if a bone belonging to a Muslim corpse is taken out,it is obligatory to bury it again.

Social and Cultural Issues

Backbiting (Ghībah) DefinitionBackbiting (ghībah) is to talk about a hidden (as recognized by `urf) fault of a Muslim behind their back, provided that it is said intending to belittle the individual or it is recognized as belittling by the `urf (common view).Permission of the Backbited PersonThe permission of the backbited person does not change the rule and it is not permissible to backbit even in this case.Cutting Ties with Blood RelativesCutting ties with blood relatives is ḥarām. However, maintaining ties of kinship with them is not confined to visiting them, but it also could be done through other means like phoning, sending letter, etc.To Break Ties with a Sinner Blood RelativeIt is not permissible to break ties with a sinner blood relative unless you think that cutting relations temporarily may make your relative refrain from sins. In this case, it is obligatory for you to do so to forbid evil. To Help BeggarsIf helping beggars would spread lying, unemployment, begging and violating law in the society, one should avoid it. One may send their contributions to the reliable charities established for such activities.SmokingThe rule on smoking cigarette or hookah depends on the degree of harm it causes. If it causes a considerable harm, annoys/hurts others or is against law, it is impermissible.Considerable Harm in Enjoining the GoodIf the mukallaf fears considerable harm for himself in enjoining the good or forbidding evil, it will not be obligatory for him.Reply to SalāmIt is obligatory to reply to the salām of adults and that of the children who can discriminate between right and wrong.To Disunite MuslimsNowadays, it is ḥarām according to shar` to say any word, do anything or have any behavior that would give a pretext to the enemies of Islam or create difference among, and/or destroy the unity of, the Muslims.Clapping in Religious CeremoniesGenerally speaking, in itself there is no problem in clapping in the way common in religious ceremonies, or as a gesture of encouragement, or expression of approval and the like. However, it is better to adorn the celebratory atmosphere with the sound of reciting salawāt on the Prophet (s.a.w.), and his progeny (a.s.) and Allahuakbar especially when the event takes place in masjids, ḥusayniyyahs and places of worship so that the participants would reap more reward.NawrūzAlthough there is no reliable tradition to the effect that Nawrūz is considered among religious festivals or holy days. However, there is no harm in celebrating or visiting one’s relatives on this day. Rather, as it reinforces ties among relatives, it is recommendable.Mourning CeremoniesHolding mourning ceremony in its traditional way is no problem, or rather, desired. However, one should avoid any act that entails disgrace to our school of thought.Playing the Story of 'Ashūrā’There is no problem in playing the story of 'Ashūrā’ provided that it does not involve lying or materials which disrespect our denomination. However, it is better to mourn this occasion by holding preaching gatherings and delivering sermons.Wearing Blak in Mourning CeremoniesThere is no proof that wearing blak clothes during the mourning ceremonies of Ahl ul-Bait (a.s.) is makrūh. Rather, if wearing them is intended for veneration of divine symbols, it deserves reward.Musical Instruments in Mourning CeremoniesUsing musical instruments is inappropriate for the commemoration ceremonies of the Master of Martyrs (a.s.). It is preferable to hold commemoration ceremonies in the traditional way. However, there is no harm in using drums or cymbals in the traditional way.Using Mourning StandardsThere is no problem in using mourning standards in mourning the martyrdom of Imam Ḥusayn (a.s.) in itself. However, this should not be perceived as a part of the religion.QamazanīA) Qamazanī is absolutely impermissible.B) In addition to the fact that hitting oneself / head with swords (qamazanī / tatbīr) is not held in the common view as a manifestation of mourning and grief and it has no precedent at the lifetime of the Imams (a.s.) nor after that and we have not received any tradition quoted from the Infallibles (a.s.) to support this act, this practice would, at the present time, give others a bad image of our school of thought. Therefore, there is no way that it can be considered permissible.Recounting the Events of Karbala Recounting the events in ceremonies commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Ḥusayn without any evidence of an authoritative account or quoting from a reliable ḥadith has no basis in Islamic law unless he says it is his perception of the story and there is no evidence against it. Exaggeration in Praising the Infallible a.In praise of the infallible a., it is not permissible to exaggerate their status. One should avoid promoting panegyrists, who exaggerate, and avoid attending their ceremonies.Using Newspapers Containing Qur’anic VersesIn some newspapers, some sacred words and Qur’anic verses are written. It is not permissible to sit on them, use them instead of a tablecloth and put food on them, or throw them into the garbage if it is considered in the common view as disrespect.How to Omit the Holy NamesThere is no problem in burying the holy names and Qur’anic verses, or converting them with water, into pulp when there is a need to do so. But burning them is problematic and, when considered disrespect, impermissible. It is not permissible either to cut up Qur’anic verses and the holy names, when it is considered disrespect. Even if it is considerd otherwise, it is not enough to cut them up unless it leads to their being effaced. The Picture of an Imam a.As to the pictures, said to be those of the infallible Imams (a.s.), there is no proof that they belong to them. Anyhow, insulting these pictures is impermissible.To Shave One's BeardTo shave beard with a blade or a machine that gives a similar result is, by obligatory caution, impermissible.French BeardThe ruling on shaving part of the beard is the same as that passed on shaving the entire beard.According to obligatory caution, it is ḥarām.Compensation for Shaving Other's BeardAccording to obligatory caution, it is ḥarām to receive compensation for shaving other's beard.Defnition of Ḥarām Music SigningAny sort of music or signing, which keeps human beings away from Allah, the Sublime, and away from moral merits and spirituality and drives them towards lechery, futility, carelessness, and sinful acts, strays human beings from the path of Allah, the Exalted, is considered as lahwī and ḥarām.Criterion for Ḥarām MusicAny music categorized due to its nature as lahwī and straying human being from the path of Allah, the Exalted, is ḥarām, irrespective of whether or not it is exciting. Whether it engenders in the listener a state of melancholy and crying is also immaterial. Should the music not be of the type suitable for gatherings of sin and lahw, nor lead to bad consequences, there is no evidence for issuing it as ḥarām.Ḥarām Music/Signing in Wedding PartiesAs far as the ruling on the ḥarām music or signing (i.e. lahwī one, which strays human being from the path of Allah, the Exalted) is concerned, there is no difference between wedding party and other occasions.Military March and National AnthemThere is no objection to military music (march), music in patriotic singing and the like as well as to being paid for playing them.Hearing versus Listening to MusicIf a ḥarām piece of music is being played in a place leaving which proves unfeasible or unbearably hard for you, pay no attention to it even though it reaches your ears unwillingly.To Play TambourineThe rule on playing tambourine depends on how to use it. It is ḥarām to play it in a lahwī manner suitable for sinful merrymaking gatherings. As far as religious ceremonies/occasions are concerned, the sanctity and status of Ahlul-Bayt (a.s.) sould be observed.To Use Musical InstrumentsBy itself, there is no objection to using musical instruments to play tunes for revolutionary chanting, religious programs or carrying out useful cultural educational activities.Also, learning and teaching playing music as well as selling and buying musical instruments for the above mentioned causes are no problem.Buying/Selling Multi-purpose Musical InstrumentsThere is no problem in buying and selling musical instruments that serve dual purposes, intending to use them in playing non-lahwī tunes.Music as TreatmentShould a trustful medical specialist say that treating an illness depends solely on music, there is no problem in it provided that it is in keeping with the requirements of the treatment.To Listen to a Woman's Voice/Ghinā’There is no difference between a man's ghinā’ and that of a woman. It is not ḥarām to listen to a woman's voice which is not ghinā’ unless it is accompanied by ill intention or leads to a bad consequence. However, it is impermissible to listen to a woman's singing as usually involves a vile consequence.To Listen to Ghinā’ of One's SpouseIt is absolutely ḥarām to listen to ḥarām ghinā’, even if it is done by one's spouse.Women's Reciting ElegiesIn the places where the woman knows that her voice is heard by non- maḥrams, then if it attracts non- maḥrams’ attention, arouses their sexual passion, or leads to another vile consequence, she is not allowed to recite elegies or the like.To Change a Man's VoiceIt is not free of problem if a man makes his voice similar to that of a woman or to use an apparatus for the same purpose.To DanceBy obligatory caution, it is ḥarām for a man to dance. If a woman's dancing among women fits the definition of lahw, e.g. it becomes a dancing gathering, one should avoid it by obligatory caution. It is ḥarām to dance if it entails sexual excitement, leads to a vile consequence, is accompanied by a ḥarām act (e.g. ḥarām music / singing) or there exist a non-maḥram man. It makes no difference whether or not it is a wedding party.To Attend a Dancing PartyIt is ḥarām to attend a dancing party if it is considered as accepting the ḥarām act of others or entails committing a ḥarām act. Otherwise, there is no harm in it. Leaving the party as a kind of protest against the ḥarām act is obligatory if it is a case of forbidding evil.A Wife's Dancing for Her HusbandShould the dancing of a wife for her husband be done without the commission of any ḥarām act, there is no harm in it.Dance Teaching CentersEstablishing centers for teaching and promoting dancing goes against the objectives of the Islamic system and it is impermissible by obligatory caution.To Attend Sinful GatheringsIf attending gatherings, where sins are committed, entails perpetrating a sinful act or supporting it, one should leave this gathering or not attend it. The same rule applies if forbidding evil is dependent on leaving the place or not going there at all.To Attend a Drinking GatheringIt is not permissible to be present in any gathering where alcoholic beverages are consumed. In case of necessity, being there should be limited to that which is necessary.To Wear a TieIn general, it is not permissible to wear a tie or the clothes which are considered as the clothing of non-Muslims so that wearing them amounts to promoting the low western culture.Promoting Culture of Non-Muslims in Clothes/Make-upIt is not permissible to wear clothes whose tailoring style, color, etc. are considered imitation and propagation of the invading culture of non-Muslims. It is not permissible to wear an ornament in a way that is regarded as imitation of the culture of enemies of Islam and Muslims. A Man's Make-up/Shaping EyebrowsIt is impermissible for a man to wear make-up or shape their eyebrows if it amounts to simulating women, leads to vile consequences or is considered as a means of spreading the low western culture.TattooingTattooing is not ḥarām unless it leads to considerable harmful effects.To Watch Insulting Films Watching films that contain material showing irreverence towards that which the Islamic Republic holds sacred must be avoided.Erotic Books/FilmsIt is not permissible to read books or watch films that are sexually arousing.Watching Immoral MoviesWatching immoral movies that contain obscene scenes does strengthen one's satanic whims, weaken their will and faith and precipitate for vile consequences and perpetration of sinful acts and, therefore, it is totally impermissible.To Stimulate One’s Sexual UrgesIt is not permissible to stimulate one’s sexual urges by way of watching video films containing sexual scenes, even for a husband and his wife.Instruments of GamblingGenerally speaking, it is not permissible at all to play with what the mukallaf sees as instruments of gambling. Playing with other things while betting is involved has the same ruling. However, there is no problem in playing with instruments, which are not considered as gambling ones when there is no betting. To Play CardsPlaying with gambling instruments including cards is ḥarām even though it is done without betting.ChessIf the mukallaf recognizes that nowadays chess is no longer a gambling instrument, there is no problem in playing it without betting.BilliardsIf billiards is played with betting or if playing it leads to social or moral bad consequences or entails committing ḥarām practice/s, it is impermissible.Visiting Advertising WebsitesVisiting advertising websites and taking money as a gift are no problem unless it entails corruptions like spreading lies and showing false and wrong subjects.Satellite DishesAlthough satellite dishes are ruled as dual-purpose instruments [as they are medium to access both ḥalāl and ḥarām television programs],since they make it so easy for its owner to receive ḥarām programs, and sometimes leads to other corruptive matters, it is not permissible to buy or keep them except for a person who is absolutely sure that he is not going to use the equipment for ḥarām purposes and the availability of such equipment at home is not going to lead to any bad consequence. However, the related laws and regultions, if any, should be observed.To Instal/Repair Satellite DishesIt is not permissible to repair, buy, sell, install, or operate satellite equipments or to sell the spare parts should the end use of the equipment be ḥarām — which is often the case — or that you are sure it is going to be used for a ḥarām purpose.To Provide Internet ServicesIf one knows that the client is going to use internet for ḥarām purposes, he is not allowed to provide them with such a service. It is also problematic to earn by providing this service. However, if one doubts that it would be used for ḥarām purposes, it is no problem.